Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126766
Risk I feel that john Ulrich must be given a pat on the back for what I believe to be the best piece of moLOjournalism ever written, the piece entitled "Risk." His article hit home because my best friend was killed on a motorcycle at the age of 18, when a driver turned left in front of him late last year. Like john, I was urged by my friends and family to give up riding my dirt bike on the preten e that I might get hurt or break my neck. Also like john, I havea friend who was involved in an auLO accident, and ended up a "wheelchair pilot." Of the people who urged me LO stop riding, LO this day I have not seen one SLOp driving, or even start wearing seat belts. Again like john, I love riding motorcycles very much, and as a mat· ter of fact, in late February I purchased a new Suzuki RM250E and plan on entering my first race in May. I will take a little crashing and discomfort over a boring and uneventful life any day. Wouldn't you? GOGGLES & ROLL OFFS JOE GODOY Seal Beach, CA More risk I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to read your article "Risk." For me, it came at a perfea time. At this moment my brother-in·law is recovering from a "Laugh-In"· style street, bike a cident. He [ell and hit his head (it was too hotLO wear a helmet). The hospital sent him home with a bottle of pills, and a week later he was in critical condition with a massive head injury. Sure, you can minimize risks, but there is risk in everything we do. No one can deny that. The key for me is to think of risk as a challenge, meet the challenge head on, and enjoy the rewards of knowing I did my best. Such is the case in my motorcycle racing. I can apply this philosophy to everything I do, from business presentations to working in the yard. Financial priorities have sidelined my racing for now, but I still keep busy in the sport, Racing is the most exciting thing I have ever done, People can watch it, hear it, smell it, read about it and then try to pass judge· ment. But until they actually experience the "challenge" of racing, they have no idea what it's like. I am the only motorcycle racer in the family, and although my sanity is curremly being questioned, my wife and kids remain very supportive. You see, they ride motorcycles too. DA MILLER President, Chain Breakers M.C. Riverside, CA Steady Eddie just a note to jon Seidler of Kerr· ville, Texas (Voices, Issue IS, April 25, 1984), At the Match Races in England: Freddie Spencer won two, Kenny Roberts won one race, Eddie Lawson won none, but scored more points than Freddie or Kenny. I rest my case. CHUCK LONG Anza,CA Published letters do not necesArily reflect the position of Cycle News. Inc. Send letters to Voices. Box 498. long Beach. CA 90801. TERRY CUNNINGHAM • RON RIBOLZI JOHN MARTIN • ED LOJAK • MARK HYDE JOHN FERO • JEFF HENNING • JEFF' FREDETTE DREW SMITH • KEVIN DAVIS • RAY MANGENAST KEVI'I BRONN • RAY COSGROVE • BARRETT BRONN WALLY WILSON • JEFF RUSSELL • FRITZ KADLEC Look at what has happened on the national enduro circuit. Almost to a man every top rider has switched to Smith Goggles. What gives? These riders have learned they need the Smith system. Whether it's the muddy Ohio woods, Florida's endless sand, California's dust, or the humid bogs in Georgia, Smith Goggles equipped with Roll Off's allow these competitors the advantage of seeing dearly for the entire event, no matter how terrible the conditions. The next time you see any of these riders at an event, ask them about the Smith system. Theyll let you know they depend on it! Write for our free detailed brochure: SMITH GOGGLE Box 2999 Ketchum, Idaho 83340